We have been to Williamsburg before -- Harry once as a kid and Marsha and Harry together many times starting 35 years ago. We've been here prior to kids, with kids, and several times as empty-nesters. We never get tired of Williamsburg: the gold standard for historical reconstruction and interpretation.

Today the weather was gorgeous, bright and sunny 60+ temperatures. Colonial Williamsburg was, as always, a very pleasant place to spend a day. We strolled very slowly from one end of Duke of Gloucester Street to the other. Stopping to tour buildings and chat with craftsmen. Sometimes we just sat on bench on the sunny side of the street and watched the passing scene. The photos should illustrate sufficiently just how delightful it was.

Marsha bought a new jacket to diversify her historical interpreter outfits, and Harry added a T-Shirt that should add some humor to the next gathering of Lexington Historical Society people dressed in period outfits.

We also visited the Peanut Shop in downtown modern Williamsburg -- a mandatory stop for every visit.

Williamsburg - Building Features

Williamsburg - Lamps

Williamsburg - Signs

Williamsburg - Tavern

Williamsburg - General

Since we arrived in Virginia we have been passing by the George Washington Masonic National Memorial twice a day every day.

Our curiosity finally peaked today and we ventured up the drive to this imposing building. We had hoped to be able to take the tour of the building, which included the elevator up to the top for the promised fabulous view of D.C. Although it was difficult to believe we were told by the person at the admissions desk that they couldn’t do any tours or allow anyone to go in the elevator because he was the only staff member in the building. We’re talking a massive granite building here. Anyway, we were allowed to wander through the two floors that were open.

What we were able to see was GW statues, busts, murals, paintings, and memorabilia along with Masonic aprons, trowels, and ephemera.

Then there was the marble everywhere you looked - floors, columns, walls, and stairs.

A few oddities did tweak our imagination. The light bulb with Masonic symbols attached to the filament. Then there were the handcuffs that were removed from John Brown’s wrists right before he went to the gallows.

Gatsby Tavern (left) City Hotel (right)

Brunch at Alexandria’s 1792 City Hotel followed by a tour of Gatsby’s Tavern (1785) next door. Both buildings were a center of political, business and social life in early Alexandria. Our first five Presidents were frequent patrons. Washington celebrated two birthdays in the tavern and Jefferson attended a party there on the night of his inaugural. Marsha found much to peak her interest during the tour.

We are now watching the Patriot’s Game in our motel room in Williamsburg – Go Pats.